Positive Reinforcement

Purely positive reinforcement is a method popularized by trainers like Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who trained the Obamas’ dog, Bo. The theory behind it is fairly straightforward. Dogs will repeat good behavior when it’s followed by a reward. Bad behavior does not get a reward or acknowledgement. If punishment happens, it comes in the form of removal of rewards, like a toy or treat being taken away. Harsh reprimands or physical punishments aren’t necessary.

This training method begins with rewarding a desired behavior immediately, within seconds, after it happens. That way the dog comes to associate the behavior with the reward. Some trainers combine this method with clicker training (see number 4 below). This gives the dog a distinct sign of the exact moment the behavior was completed. Commands also need to be short and to the point. Sit. Stay. Come.

Positive reinforcement requires consistency. Therefore, everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and reward system. Start with continuous rewards every time your dog does the right thing. Then, gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior becomes consistent. Sometimes beginner trainers accidentally reward bad behavior. For example they might let the dog outside when they start barking at a squirrel or another dog.

Only wanted behaviors get rewards, which can include treats, toys, praise, and pets. It can also be easy to overfeed when your dog is learning, so use small treats when you are rewarding with food. This method is great for learning commands, but you need patience for correcting unwanted behaviors.

Read more at https://dogtime.com/reference/dog-training/50743-7-popular-dog-training-methods#sE5GE8YtMscMhAcU.99
Read more at https://dogtime.com/reference/dog-training/50743-7-popular-dog-training-methods#dEMLgdOQDsXZUbVq.99

Dog Training Tips

There are some things to keep in mind when you are training your dog. The first one is that dog training is never "finished." It is a process that you will continue throughout your dog's life. Training needs reinforcement all the time in order for your dog to continue doing what he's learned. Below are a few other basic tips for dog training.

Set Aside Time for Daily Training Sessions

It's good to do training in a controlled environment as much as possible. That means that the best dog training isn't done while you're in the middle of a walk outside but rather at home or in the backyard or a field where you will be safe and not bothered.

When you are trying to teach your dog something new, daily training sessions are necessary. When your dog is older and you are reinforcing previous lessons, once a week is fine.

Keep Training Sessions Short

Don't plan on marathon training sessions where you spend hours working on a trick until your dog has thoroughly learned it. Dogs learn much better when you break training times up into short, 10 or 20-minute sessions and follow them with rest or play time. Always end each session when your dog has been successful, even if it's only a small step in the direction of what you're trying to train him to do.

Try Training When Your Dog Is Hungry

If your dog is hungry when you do a training session, he will be more interested in whatever treats you're using for positive reinforcement. If he's just had a big meal, the treats might not be as motivating.

Train After a Play Session

Before you start a training session, have a good, tiring play session with your dog. If you have just gotten home from work, your dog has been in a crate for a few hours, and you get him out and try to train him right away, odds are that you'll both be frustrated.

Get some of your dog's energy out with a vigorous play session, which will also improve the bond between the two of you, and then start a short training session after that.

Always Focus on Positive Reinforcement

Negative reinforcement doesn't train dogs to follow commands nearly as well as positive reinforcement does. Rather than correcting your dog for doing something you don't want him to do, focus on showing him what you do want and praising him when he does it. That usually means breaking a task or trick up into tiny increments and teaching them to your dog slowly. As he is successful at each one and receives your positive reaction, he'll want to continue to do well and learn more. If he's not getting a certain thing, back up to the previous step and work at it until he's got it down thoroughly.